Gael Monfils has a job in finance lined up as he prepares to retire from tennis. The former US Open semi-finalist is preparing for his life after the sport as he nears the end of his final season on the ATP Tour.
The French ace has exited the US Open in the second round after losing to American Learner Tien in straight sets. The 40-year-old, who announced his retirement plans last year, reached the final four at Flushing Meadows in 2016, equalling his best-ever major performance at the 2008 French Open. Former world No.6 Monfils will continue to support his wife Elina Svitolina’s tennis career once he retires but is set to start an office job in a completely new industry after his playing days are over.
“I have a new chapter coming. Next year. I’ll be working in finance,” Monfils said when asked about his plans in retirement. “I already signed to work in wealth management in a Swiss company.
“My next chapter is looking more in an office and working in finance. I will always have a look on tennis because I love the sport, my wife’s playing.
“I don’t think next year I will do so much about tennis. I’ll be around no matter what, for Elina a little bit, but I’ll be more of a finance guy.”
Monfils is accustomed to managing his own riches after earning an eye-watering £18.5million in prize money throughout his career, according to the ATP. He has won 13 singles titles and places 25th on the all-time money list.
Despite his reputation as a showman on the court, Monfils has insisted that it is only one aspect of his character. Explaining why he is well-suited to a wealth management job, Monfils admitted that he has a different personality at home with his family and is ready to enter the financial world.
“I think you should ask my wife, you would be surprised,” Monfils continued. “Of course, in tennis, I am the way I am but she can tell you that she wishes I was like this at home. I think at home I’m a little bit more strict, more serious.
“It’s completely different here. This is my joy place where I can let my emotions go and then I’m really not flexible. I really like everything done straight away, a little bit maniac, so it fits for my next chapter and tennis is just completely different.”